FIRST STEPS: Kaku debuts for Paraguay in loss to Japan

Alejandro Romero Gamarra made his debut for Paraguay, entering the match in the second half in a 4-2 loss to World Cup-bound Japan in an international friendly at Tivoli Stadion Tiron in Innsbruck, Austria Tuesday night.

The Red Bulls midfielder, who appeared as a youth international in his native Argentina, recently had his one-time international switch approved by FIFA. Kaku, who was called into Paraguay camp, has Paraguayan lineage through his parents.

Due to his call-up, Kaku missed the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match, a 4-0 win over New York City FC last week, and Saturday night’s 1-1 draw at Columbus Crew SC.

The 23-year-old Kaku leads the Red Bulls with nine assists while contributing three goals as well.

He probably won’t be available when the Red Bulls host Seattle Sounders FC at Red Bull Arena Wednesday night although he could be part of the 18 or Starting XI when the team visits the Philadelphia Union for an Open Cup match Saturday.

In Tuesday’s match, Shinji Kagawa scored one goal and created two others as Japan came from behind against the South American squad, which failed to qualify for Russia 2018.

Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar, 40, was replaced after 12 minutes as he made the last of his 120 international appearances before his retirement.

About The Author

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered eight World Cups, seven Olympics and all 21 MLS Cups. He writes about New York City FC, New York Cosmos and the U.S. national team for Newsday and pens a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has two more in the works, including one about the Rochester Lancers.